ICU certs can create the exact same false perception, however most of them are treated with more than a grain of salt, the idea of a 'river hitlist' isn't all that bad as it's, like Lorcan said, a bit aspirational for fresher's coming through. I don't think anyone will turn around and say well you have run X rivers and therefore I would automatically assume you are the sh1t... Most people know the ability of other paddlers in the club. It's not a score card or formal system suggested, just a more of a logbook for the hell of it. Might even encourage more people out regularly...
Pure Opinion.
Edit: Diarmaid's suggestion has considerable merit ;-)